Turmeric is highly popular as a spice that is traditionally used in Indian dishes where it is primarily used with curry. The plant’s medicinal properties are primarily found in the root whose usage has spanned over 4,000 years in medicinal history. It possesses active chemicals that have been used in reducing pain, inflammation and stiffness related to arthritis diseases.
Turmeric contains more than 2 dozen anti-inflammatory compounds such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. These compounds effective inhibit the enzymes responsible for inducing inflammation and causing the pain, swelling and stiffness caused thereafter. This anti-inflammatory effect is extremely helpful among arthritis patients in that it reduces inflammation and stiffness related to gout arthritis.
According to the arthritis foundation, several clinical studies have been conducted within the past decade to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. In most cases, studies supported the efficacy of turmeric as a prevention compound for joint inflammation. Additionally, studies conducted in 2010 showed that in osteoarthritis patients, long term use of turmeric provided long-term relief in pain and function.
Turmeric is available in its whole root form or in powder form. In powder form it is primarily used as a spice and can be found in health food stores or specialized groceries.
Turmeric supplements are available in the following variations:
Turmeric supplements are commonly available in capsule form for ease of use and convenience. The variations among capsule supplements include dosage amounts and potency of the turmeric root. Turmeric combined with bromelain can be extremely beneficial and effective because bromelain increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of the active chemicals in turmeric.
Turmeric can be easily added into meal plans as it is a highly favorable flavoring agent. Otherwise, turmeric can be administered orally via capsule supplement to help with gout relief and prevention. Follow your bottle’s instructions and recommended dosage amounts to receive the full benefits of turmeric. If taking a powdered supplement, about 400 – 600 mg 3 times a day is recommended for inflammatory relief.
Turmeric is considered safe for oral and topical administration, however it can trigger side-effects and reactions. In mild cases it can cause an upset stomach of nausea and in more severe cases it may cause an ulcer, or obstruction of bile passages. Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels. Turmeric may also act as a blood thinner and should not be taken two weeks before or after a surgery. Finally, the findings for turmeric’s safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women is not reliable enough and it is not recommended it be taken under these circumstances.
Turmeric may cause mild reactions such as an upset stomach, nausea or skin irritations (if used topically). More severe reactions include stomach ulcers, gallstones or the obstruction of the bile passages. Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels and can act as a blood thinner, therefore diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely and patients expecting surgery should not take turmeric two weeks before or after surgery.
Turmeric may interact with the following medications:
The turmeric root contains enzyme blocking agents that prevent the development of joint inflammation. This is especially beneficial for gout sufferers as uric acid induced inflammation can be easily prevented and thus provide long-term pain relief and function in the joint.
Combination supplements such as cherry and turmeric can be effective in providing gout relief and prevention.
When consuming turmeric via encapsulated format, the recommended dosage is 400 – 600 mg, three times a day.
Turmeric can be easily added into meal plans as it is a highly favorable flavoring agent. Otherwise, turmeric can be administered orally via capsule supplement to help with gout relief and prevention. Follow your bottle’s instructions and recommended dosage amounts to receive the full benefits of turmeric. If taking a powdered supplement, about 400 – 600 mg 3 times a day is recommended for inflammatory relief.
Turmeric is considered safe for consumption and for topical purposes, in some rare cases it can cause an upset stomach, or nausea and may also cause ulcers. Speak with doctor if you develop these side-effects or are considered for the potential development of them. Additionally, turmeric can interact with diabetes drugs and blood thinners by increasing their strength so it is recommended to speak with your doctor for self-administering turmeric,
Bromelain increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of the active chemicals in turmeric and is highly recommended to take in combination.
Both supplement forms can be equally effective, what matters is the dosage amount and the combination ingredients included in the supplement (if any). Ideally, you would want a supplement that provides a 1200 – 1800 mg daily serving or a turmeric supplement combined with bromelain, a compound that increases the effects of turmeric.
You can add turmeric into your eating habits by producing dishes that use the spice as a flavoring agent. Additionally, you can mix a spoonful of turmeric into a glass of water daily if you find this more convenient than taking supplements.
Turmeric milk can be a fun addition to your daily intake, however the best way to get the benefits of turmeric is in its raw powdered form available in capsule supplements.
You can apply turmeric paste topically to provide relief from an inflamed joint, however depending on the severity of your pain you may not receive immediate relief or any relief at all.
Turmeric powdered is typically the product that is found in supplements and capsules. You can use loose powder to add as a flavoring agent, mixing it in water for consumption or create a paste with yogurt and honey to apply topically to your skin.
Turmeric tea can have the same benefits (in decreased amounts) as taking a turmeric supplement.